The Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) hosted its prestigious Annual Awards Ceremony on 7 December 2024, at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Main Campus in Pretoria. This esteemed event recognised outstanding contributions in the field of public sector auditing and finance, with a special focus on promoting excellence, integrity, and leadership within the public sector.
Ms Mahlatse Shokane
The University of Venda (UNIVEN), an esteemed partner and ally of SAIGA, was invited to attend the ceremony. UNIVEN’s presence underscored its strong relationship with the Institute, reflecting its shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and professional growth in government auditing.
L-R : Mr Phillip Rakgwale and Mrs Rakgwale with Mahlatse in the middle
During the ceremony, SAIGA President Mr Phillip Rakgwale delivered a compelling ad-dress, emphasising the importance of the “Most Impactful Associate Member of the Year” award. Together with the panel of award judges, he underscored how this cate-gory acknowledges associate members who make remarkable contributions toward ad-vancing SAIGA’s mission — whether by exhibiting leadership within their organisations or by championing the value of Registered Government Auditors (RGA) qualifications.
The judges expressed the difficulty in selecting a winner, given the need to evalu-ate each nominee’s tangible impact in their fields. His reflections highlighted the ex-ceptional commitment and influence of these professionals, reinforcing the vital role they play in enhancing governance, accountability, and public sector excellence.
“We Interviewed the nominees and it is as if they were campaigning for the presidency. But when you listen to their work, it becomes clear that they are taking their organisations to the next lev-el by advocating for accountability and recognising RGA qualifications,” the President remarked.
Ms Mahlatse Shokane from the University of Venda’s Internal Audit Department has been honoured with the prestigious “Most Impactful Associate Member of the Year” Award.
Chosen from a pool of outstanding nominees, Ms. Shokane’s exceptional contributions to pub-lic sector accountability and governance set her apart. Her relentless efforts have been pivotal in el-evating the recognition of RGA qualifications and championing the crucial role of government au-ditors in enhancing transparency and accountability within organisations. Through her dedication and vision, she has not only advanced her profession but also fortified the integrity of public service,SAIGA’s Annual Awards also highlighted an extraordinary moment with the Presidential Award be-stowed upon retired Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. This special recognition honored his exceptional contributions to public service and his unwavering commitment to advancing accountability in the legal and public sectors. His leadership, integrity, and dedication have left an indelible mark on gov-ernance in South Africa, setting a standard of excellence and transparency for future generations.
The SAIGA Annual Awards serve as a beacon of excellence by:
• Recognising and rewarding academic brilliance in auditing and finance,
• Honouring individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to the public sector,
• Inspiring continuous professional development and growth among SAIGA members, and
• Attracting and retaining top-tier talent to uphold SAIGA’s leadership in governance and pub lic sector auditing.
The 2024 SAIGA Member Awards showcased the dedication, innovation, and impact that professionals like Ms. Mahlatse Shokane bring to the auditing and accounting fields. The event was not only a celebration of achievements but also a powerful reflection on the prog-ress made and the vast potential for the future of public sector auditing in South Africa.
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
